Delhi Police Demands X Identify and Remove Posts Targeting Constitutional Figures
Authorities have directed social media platform X to delete content allegedly defaming constitutional heads and to surrender user registration data. Official statements clarify these actions follow routine protocols rather than recent political demonstrations.
Cyber Cell Issues Takedown Directives to X
The Delhi Police intensified their digital oversight on July 29, 2026, by formally requesting that social media platform X excise specific content. According to law enforcement, the flagged posts contain malicious and derogatory material aimed at various constitutional heads of state. Beyond the immediate removal of these videos and posts, investigators seek the complete digital footprint of the account holders, including residential addresses, verified names, and contact information.
Distinction from Political Protests
Vinit Kumar, Deputy Commissioner of Police for the Intelligence Fusion and Strategic Operations (IFSO) unit, categorized the communication as a standard procedure. Kumar emphasized that the current directive bears no relation to ongoing demonstrations led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) currently affecting the capital. Despite the volume of flagged content, the IFSO head confirmed that the Special Cell has not filed any First Information Reports (FIRs) concerning these specific posts over the previous month.
Regulatory Framework and Cross-Platform Enforcement
The institutional pressure on digital platforms extends beyond X. Authorities confirmed they are currently drafting similar takedown notices for Instagram to address reels and posts originating from youth-led protests at Jantar Mantar. Key details of the enforcement strategy include:
- Use of Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology Act to notify platforms of illegal material.
- A focus on identifying registrants via email IDs and physical addresses.
- A recent spike in flagged content that has already led to numerous removals.
While Section 79(3)(b) serves as the primary mechanism for these requests, these notices notify platforms of illegal activity but do not always constitute a legally binding removal order without further judicial or administrative intervention. The specific timeline and full nature of the controversial content remain undisclosed by the Special Cell.
Source: The Hindu — Home
